Apparatus for beverage container recovery and deposit refund system

Abstract

Apparatus and methods for the recovery and recycling of metal, glass, plastic and paper containers and combinations thereof for beverages and similar article containers, which provides reimbursement of container deposits or fees upon the return of such containers. Apparatus and methods may be incorporated in an article dispensing machine with common coin exchange system and with a common container storage system. Apparatus and methods may be a self-contained unit independent of an article dispensing system. Apparatus and methods have the capability of performing operations of compacting, sorting, and storing received containers of varying composition. Apparatus and methods provide for removal of recovered containers from incorporated and self-contained container recovery systems. Apparatus and methods have the capability for reducing, detecting and controlling errors in the return of unacceptable containers. Apparatus and methods provide for the accounting of the recovered containers.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. In combination with a beverage vending machine for dispensing purchased beverages, said machine being provided with a coin return system, the improvement comprising; means for receiving purchased beverage containers having a deposit associated therewith,   means for remitting said deposit upon appropriate identification via actuation said coin return system and means comprising at least two movable elements for contacting a returned container, said elements controlling at least two switch means in a circuit for identifying said container.   
     
     
       2. The combination as defined in claim 1, further comprising, means for processing returned purchased containers to reduce the volume thereof for compact storage.   
     
     
       3. The combination as defined in claim 2, wherein said means for processing comprises a compactor. 
     
     
       4. The combination as defined in claim 2, wherein said means for processing comprises a shredder. 
     
     
       5. The combination as defined in claim 1, further comprising, means for distinguishing and separating ferrous from nonferrous returned beverage containers.   
     
     
       6. The combination as defined in claim 1, wherein said means for receiving purchased beverage containers, further comprises, a pivotal door provided with a compartment to receive beverage containers of predetermined size,   means for moving said pivotably mounted door from an open to a closed position for transporting a returned beverage container to a means for transporting and guiding a returned beverage container past a deposit return payment actuating mechanism and onto a storage area via the force of gravity.   
     
     
       7. The combination as defined in claim 1, further comprising means for directing the movement of waste liquids contained in returned containers. 
     
     
       8. The combination as defined in claim 7, further comprising a liquid drain and segmented storage means. 
     
     
       9. The combination as defined in claim 1, further comprising means for determining the appropriate amount of payment for containers having differing amounts of deposit value. 
     
     
       10. The combination as defined in claim 1, further comprising a means for recording the number, type and value of remitted payments. 
     
     
       11. In combination with a machine for receiving bottles and cans and remitting payment therefor, the improvement comprising means locating and identifying signs, codes and lables for determining the appropriate amount of payment for containers having differing amounts of deposit value and a deposit remitting means controlled by the determining means. 
     
     
       12. The combination as defined in claim 11, wherein said means comprises means to record the number, type and amount of remitted deposits.